With the end of Game of Thrones nearing, studios and production companies are already pulling out all the stops to find the next fantasy sensation. Amazon is putting all their resources into expanding Tolkien’s Middle-Earth legendarium, using a rumored billion dollar budget to fill its first season.
Recently, Amazon Studios’ head Jennifer Salke opened up on the development of the massive undertaking.
Speaking on the project’s release date, Salke stated that “It’ll be in production in two years,” further noting that “2021 is the hope, but there are other people who wish it was 2020.”
Though the executive does not address the young Aragorn rumors, she does reassure fans by saying Amazon is not “remaking the movies … [or] starting from scratch.” It is worth pointing out that the latter portion of that statement may disappoint fans hoping for a wholly original take on the franchise. The anthology approach is likely off the cards as well, with the intent of making it “one big series.”
On the bright side, fans will be encouraged to hear that production is once again planned to take place in New Zealand, where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit franchises were previously filmed. As for the involvement of Peter Jackson, it seems it is ultimately up to him. “He may say he is involved or he’s not … We’re still very much in conversation.”
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